Chicago Blackhawks: Kane Removed From NHL 16 Cover

The investigation surrounding Chicago Blackhawks star winger Patrick Kane is ongoing, cloudy and likely has plenty of fallout to come. But some unrelated fallout occurred Wednesday when EA Sports released a statement announcing Kane will be removed from the cover of the NHL 16 video game after rape accusations against Kane surfaced last week. Below is the full statement from EA.

“In light of the ongoing investigation involving Patrick Kane, he will no longer be a spokesperson for the launch of EA SPORTS NHL 16,” the statement reads. “He will not appear on the EA SPORTS NHL 16 cover nor participate in other EA SPORTS NHL 16 promotional activities.”

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Kane was originally supposed to be on the cover alongside teammate Jonathan Toews. Both members of the duo that helped bring the franchise back to relevancy were going to make their second appearance on the cover of the game. Kane was on the cover in 2010 and Toews in 2011. The announcement was made during the NHL Awards on June 24, and it would have been the first time since 1996 that two athletes would have graced the cover.

Below is the official announcement in June about the cover, which would have featured Toews and Kane hoisting their third Stanley Cup.

There is no word on what the new cover will look like or whether Toews will still be on it.

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This is just the first of what could be a slew of problems coming Kane’s way after he was reportedly accused of sexual assault against a woman in his Hamburg, N.Y., home. Neither Kane nor the Blackhawks have said anything specific about the reported incident and no charges have been filed as details have slowly trickled out about the case. The Blackhawks released a brief statement shortly after the incident was reported.

“We are aware of the matter and in the process of gathering information. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time,” the team said.

Kane’s agent Pat Brisson also made a similar statement.

“As the Blackhawks indicated in their statement, they are gathering information and will be reviewing reports. It would not be appropriate to provide further comment at this time,” Brisson said.

The latest update from The Buffalo News mentions that the accuser had bite marks on her shoulders and a cut on her leg after she was allegedly attacked at Kane’s home.

The Hamburg police department has been instructed to stay silent on this case, though there are sure to be more details coming as the days go on. Be sure to stick with Blackhawk Up for more coverage on the matter.

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